Meet Colby and Ashley McClendon—sixth-generation farmers in Collin County, Texas, raising the seventh generation—blend tradition with innovation to preserve their family’s legacy, which dates back to 1887. They are among the three American Farm Families chosen as the Texas Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Award finalists.
Their farm has also adopted sustainable practices to grow various crops and raise livestock. They also operate a farm-to-table meat market featuring Black Angus beef and dairy products from their herd of registered Holsteins.
As urbanization encroaches, they focus on community engagement, educating locals about agriculture’s importance. Ashley integrates farming lessons in her classroom, while their storefront directly connects consumers and the food they buy, emphasizing the evolving role of local farms.
The Texas YF&R Award winner will be announced at the TFB annual meeting in Round Rock, Texas, later this month.
